Accommodating Reading Levels in a Subject Area Classroom: A Six-Step Model for Pre- and In-Service Training.

Kapel, Marilyn B.

An outline is given of a model procedure by which teachers can ascertain the reading level of students so they may match the students' ability in reading comprehension with the subject content of a course. This six-step model may be viewed as a continuum of material and student assessment, teaching, evaluation, and reassessment of material and student match. A Cloze test and vocabulary recognition test are first given to the students. The teacher then follows these steps to assure maximum comprehension of the subject: (1) determine the approximate level of difficulty of the books that are to be used by the students; (2) determine the students' proficiencies in the use of assigned textbooks and find an approximate reading level for less able students; (3) provide reading material at a variety of reading levels; (4) read the material in advance looking for obstacles to comprehension; (5) prepare the students for the ideas, vocabulary, and main objectives of the reading selection; and (6) follow up each lesson to ensure comprehension of the essential elements inherent in the lesson. (JD)